There are a surprising number of Duchess Kate and Kate-adjacent stories from the weekend. Surprising because… Kate isn’t doing anything but gestating and waiting to go into labor. On Friday, people were theorizing that she would go into labor over the weekend. By Sunday, people were surprised that nothing was happening, although it seems like no one is committed to reliving The Great Kate Wait of 2013, where the media and royalists camped outside of the Lindo Wing for days/weeks, waiting to hear of the new royal baby. Now people are saying Kate will probably give birth later this week, maybe Thursday/Friday. So, let’s do a list of some various royal stories making the rounds while we wait.
Mini-break in Bucklebury. People Magazine says Kate took a short little holiday at her parents’ home recently. I’m not sure why that’s notable though? She’s always at her parents’ house. They make it sound like William wasn’t with Kate, which makes sense because he’s still working/training for his new job.
Life at Anmer Hall. The Daily Mail did a lengthy story about how Will and Kate are committed to spending the next few years in Norfolk, living at Anmer Hall. Royal aides told the Mail that after Kate gives birth, the family will spend the first night at Kensington Palace, then they’ll go to Anmer for the whole summer while Kate takes her “extended maternity leave.” Aides also tell the Mail that William “plans to scale back his black-tie charity commitments so that he can enjoy more time at home” and “His focus for the next two years is on family and flying in that order.” Anything to avoid royal work, you know.
Carole Middleton. She’s decamping to Anmer as well. The Mail says Carole plans to spend the upcoming months living at Anmer and helping with “childcare and housekeeping.”
Kate has no interest in living in London. A friend tells The Mail: “She can’t wait to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Both she and William love the country and it’s where they want to raise their family.” Kate and William have reportedly been considering sending George to a Norfolk nursery school.
William might miss the birth. Except not really. First there were claims that William might be on duty at his new job and he would have to rush to meet Kate in London. Now people are picking apart William’s scheduled appearance next Saturday at the commemorations at the Cenotaph in London. William is supposed to make an appearance with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and his aides say that he’s committed to making the appearance if Kate isn’t going into labor that day. My guess is that if Kate does go into labor on Thursday/Friday, he’ll probably still skip the appearance with the Queen.
Duchess Kate’s dodgy Uncle Gary. The Middletons snubbed their wealthy relation yet again. Dodgy Uncle Gary is throwing a big party to celebrate his 50th birthday later this month and none of the Middletons are going. Gary is dodgy, for sure, but it really seems harsh to never invite Gary to any occasion or go to his parties. After all, I’m pretty sure Uncle Gary bankrolled a big part of Kate’s Great Wait to land William.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Of course they are! Also, Uncle Gary is still bankrolling that whole family; see his nephews ‘failed businesses’. The Great Kate Wait – i love that, very very apt.
There will always be excuses with these 2 – always.
The Telegraph piece about Carole was written by Penny Junor. She’s Charles’ go to journo, and the Telegraph is In the tank for him. It was deliciously shady, about how Carole is basically raising George, and how W and K can’t manage without her. Hmmm, now why would Charles want to put that out there, I wonder? /sarcasm. There was another article at the same time about how a baby girl would be a boon for Party Pieces, because they sell all this I’m A Princess tat for parties, implying that Carole is cashing in on her own grandchild. It’s almost like Charles has just HAD it with Carole, no?
Oh, and the hospital nearest Bucklebury is on standby in case Kate goes into labour while visiting. Just like us!
I wondered if the royal stirring the pot was Andrew in retaliation for Charles not really standing by him -but yeah, Charles does seem to be the source behind cheese-on-toast-Carole stories. Clever spin actually, Kate and William aren’t distant with Charles, rather they’re childish and need nannying by Carole.
I saw over at the DM an article that says the Middletons don’t want to be seen in public with Uncle Gary because of “royal protocol” even though they’re not royal.
I just think it says a lot about the MIddletons that they will take or use Gary’s assets (money to start up one business after another, the mansion that W&K spent a vacation at, whatever else), but they seem to think it’s beneath them to be seen with him.
The DM article says that since Gary’s b-day party is on the same day as W&K’s wedding anniversary and Kate’s about to give birth, those are legitimate reasons for their not going. But you’d think James would show more gratitude since his cake and marshmallow businesses were both funded by Gary. And Carole should be grateful because I’m thinking that Gary’s money was very useful in getting her daughter married to the Crown Prince.
The free vacations at Maison de Bang Bang probably didn’t hurt.
Nota
Don’t forget Gary’s boat too.
All credit due to Carol’s bootstrap drive, but Gary funded them for some time. He’s noted as a grass seed investor in nearly every family venture. And knowing where Gary’s money comes from… They shouldn’t have taken a cent unless they felt they had to.
I always got the impression in his little tipsy confessional to the reporters he was bragging about his part in helping Kate get William and what he’s due (wing in BP).
How this man is still so protected in the media is equal to (if not slightly worse) Prince Andrew imo.
I don’t see anything wrong with taking three months off after you have a baby if you’re normally a hard worker, and certainly she should take some time to rest and bond, but really, would it kill them to cut a ribbon every other week? It’s like they think their normal schedule is SO strenuous. Lol
Maternity leave is usually a year in Britain.
Wow, that’s really nice. I’m all for maternity leave if you’re working full time. I just don’t think I would call her schedule full time. Or even completely part time. More like occasional.
They pay us for it, too, GNAT! 90% of our wages for 18 weeks and £100ish a week for the rest of the year!
That said, I agree – it hardly applies to Part Time Katie.
Awesome. We are so far behind in that category.
GNAT
Very far behind.
GNAT – I look forward to your commentary you are always spot on.
Thank you, Ash. I wish that were true! I miss the boat a lot. Lol
Ugh I don’t understand why Kate needs her mom around for every breath. I love my mom, she’s a tremendous help to me, and she’s a loving mom and grandmother, but if I had to live with her (now that I’m used to running my own home) , I’d go insane.
Different people live differently and have different relationships and might totally love having their mom around. SHOCKER!
One of my friends just moved his mother in law into their house to help take care of their baby, which is due in June. They bought a house with an in-law suite as soon as they found out they were pregnant. This really isn’t that abnormal. In many parts of the world it is the norm.
Two different worlds … – you can’t have HRH to your name – suppose to be a member of the BRF with all the traditions, perks wealth staff , and continue a commoner mentality – what’s the use of having a RF. Where people bow to you’re spend taxpayers. Funds – and you are less than one of us (most of us work for our lifestyle ) ,
Having. Commoner in laws install on the Queens properties- in laws stalking the media /PR for gains. (Due the royals), in laws accepting perks (against royal Protocol); PW*waity can’t have it both ways. There are centuries Traditions duties of giving back to the people.
In terms of help raising children, it’s not that weird, especially given the size of their homes/castles/palaces. They will hardly be on top of each other. But, as far as the rest of Kate’s adult life, yes she seems co-dependent on her mother to an unhealthy degree.
Maybe Kate is lonely? Rumor has it that she and William lead quite separate lives, so she runs home to Mommy for some social interaction. I look forward to reading the books that will be written about William and Kate – the truth will leak out eventually.
Vava
It always does, doesn’t it?
It wouldn’t surprise me if Kate was lonely. Her “friends” are often employees doing their jobs and not meeting socially. Her time of adult conversation is Staff, immediate family, William. And while William and her siblings are living their lives.
I’m not (and never have) claimed it’s bad for a daughter to want her mother. In this case though it has long appeared Kate can’t function without her mother and it doesn’t seem healthy. Not on either end.
She might be lonely. You never read about her girlfriends or anything.
Also, remember the logistics of Kate and William living with her mom are far different than they would be for regular people like you and me. These people aren’t crammed together in a 2000 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath split level in the suburbs – they live in huge homes the size of football fields. If they want to get away from each other, it’s pretty easily done, and without even leaving the house.
I should probably consult Google maps, but I’ll just throw it out here instead. Is Anmer near the Middleton pile in Norfolk? Can they zip back and forth between each others homes? Also, did they ever fill the live in dogs body/ housekeeper position?
All of this gossip is probably true and nicely non-controversial. Yes, she will have a baby. Yes, they will probably decamp with Carole for several months to the country just like post-George. Yes, they probably do hate the city and love the country. Yes, dodgy Uncle Gary is probably boxed out and will be forever and ever.
I clearly need some Harry gossip.
She’s never shown a love for country life. When the palace announced she’d be a full-time housewife in Wales, she was papped in London shopping a few days each week. How far is Anmer from Bicester Village shopping center?
Norfolk is a long way from Bicester. Two/three hours in the car?
It seems unlikely Kate likes Norfolk. It is NOT the shopping epicentre of the UK. Norfolk has a tiny population density and its main cities (Norwich, Kings Lynn) really are not retail Meccas!
I’ll add that Berkshire (Bucklebury) and Norfolk are either side of London. Bucklebury is closer to Bicester than Norfolk.
I predict she’ll decamp to Bucklebury from Anmer after a few days/weeks and stay in Bucklebury for months.
If she doesn’t go to Anmer from KP after the birth, she’ll head to Bucklebury and stay for months. Either way, summer is going to be spent with mummy in Bucklebury.
I’m trying to imagine her sailing about the Broads on a houseboat with the rest of the hippies!
Ugh,
Sorry to drift off, but I was half way through typing a response when my spelling drifted off…. Have you guys seen those Life alert commercials lately? And elderly woman fell and it flashes to all these hot firemen getting in their truck to rescue her! I thought half way through this won’t be life alert, but sadly it was… Still, Life Alert is steaming up their ads!
LAK
On point I think. Articles are certainly setting things up for this possibility.
What really upsets me is the fact that they had those massive renovations to Kensington Palace, just to end up living in Anmer because they both dislike city living…
I just heard the Green Acres theme in my head . . . . .
Yes, I can easily understand how British taxpayers get annoyed with the Royals.
I think William finds KP has too many bad memories from childhood. I think he was the one who didn’t want to live there because of that and because he and Kate would have Royal neighbours.
William is too much a private person along with being a controlling individual.
Citresse
Well, they aren’t living in the apartment (or even side) of KP Diana had. It was noted that was offered to them though and while William was fine, Kate was not. So they looked on. A fair amount of detail was given too that leads me to think Kate really didn’t like it and William really didn’t care either way. Maybe even favoring his old residence slightly.
Still, it seems William is always elsewhere. Even when they get a residence to better accomidate his travel and desires he needs a place of his own.
No bad memories in Anmer that we know of and extensive renovations for added privacy, but he is reported to not plan on staying there.
Anmer is one of the places Charles and Camilla used to meet. For some, there would be bad memories in that.
Yes, FLORC and Notasugarhere, as much as anyone may feel negative about Kate, it must be difficult living in Diana’s shadow. I can understand her not wanting to live in the same KP apt as Diana and Charles’ before the marriage break up. It could be viewed as a bad omen.
Also, if truth be told, I bet Kate would have preferred her own engagement ring. She accepted the Diana sapphire ring because she knew how much it meant to William. And she has worn other Diana jewelry pieces, but again, I think Kate wishes she would receive new jewelry just for her.
Re- Amner Hall and Charles & Camilla.
Wow, they met there too. Is there any estate within the British Aristocracy where they haven’t met?
notasugarhere I doubt the Charles and Camilla thing has anything to do with it. Didn’t Kate and William request Anmer Hall and force The Queen to kick the former tenants out.
Citresse
I doubt Kate has much issue with Diana’s shadow. There are many reasons I could list, but that would be for another time.
It was noted both in articles from BRF and Midds family friendly journalist Kate chose not to live in Diana’s old residence because it was too small. Explaining ofcourse why she went for the much larger occupied residence that they have now.
There’s a theory regarding the ring. That William is just horrible at picking out jewelry and he got lazy. That Kate had discussed before getting Diana’s ring and that would be a strong symbol for her in a good way.
She gets the ring and William doesn’t have to bother much. That he doesn’t buy her jewelry or have anything designed says something. Many in his position have done that. At the very least they buy them stuff and not have their father pay for their wife’s accessories.
Do we have an address for Carole Middleton? I’d love to send her a complimentary Swiffer.
Haha! And some white gloves to test the dusting. 😉
Punky
Lol! That’s why she (needed to) move to begin with! Remember those girls that wanted to give them a hand made craft out of admiration to her family/daughter? Carole refused on scene and said they had to send it to the royal security.
I love the conspiracy theory that they’re both secretly Republicans (the British kind) and are working to take down the monarchy from within.
Don’t worry boos, we got you.
Don’t most members of the BRF have country houses where they raise their kids in privacy? They all manage to work and live in the country. The excuse that living in a country pile means no royal engagements isn’t valid. But then, none of their excuses are valid.
princess Anne’s main home is Gatcombe Park and she’s the hardest worker not named Elizabeth or Philip. And maintains her own activities as well.
These two are going to be the end of the monarchy. Much is given to them; almost nothing is returned. I have no problem with Kate taking time off after the baby is born. I gave birth when I was in the Navy and I had 30 days leave. That was back in the 80’s. As I heard a lot: “If the Navy wanted you to have a kid, they’d have issued you one”. So, I’m completely on board with her having time off. Also, wanting her mother to help. That’s cool too. But moving in for the summer. There’s just something not right there.
I think these two are just tone deaf to how all this is coming over to the general public. My opinion doesn’t count. But the British public’s opinion does. I know DM’s comment section is not a scientific poll, but I would estimate that about 80% of all comments are negative when it comes to these two. On almost any subject having to do with the Cambridges. For their sake, I hope they don’t push this entitlement thing too far.
Bet Harry’s happy to be out of the country for a few months and away from all this hysteria.
Speaking of the DM’s comment section, it’s been fascinating watching the change in opinion from the positive high of goodwill immediately after the wedding to it’s current state. ‘stephenKandy’ can’t keep up with the current level of negative opinions!!
That comments section is a scary place. But that’s where those revelations from Sunflower Heart appeared, so it can be worth digging through.
I’m hoping Harriet from Toronto gets her own column! Her comments are pithy, right on point and extremely funny. I’m shocked they get posted.
Yeah I always keep my eye out for Sunflower Heart.
DM’s recent article on Henry (with photos 🙂 ) says that Harry will fly out for the Cenotaph ceremony and then fly back to Australia to finish out his military duties there.
Actually this time around no journalists are allowed to wait outside the hospital until it’s announced that she’s in labor, so that’s why it’s not a big ordeal. Yet.
I don’t see Kate as a country girl. Intermittently, fine, especially now that she has kids, but she loves the big city. And beaches. And ski slopes. So, I guess what I’m saying is, they’re never going to be in one place too long, especially once the shopping jones hits. As for William–he can’t do anything too long, either.
What would Kate do without her mother?
I wouldn’t do anything without the advice and help of mine and I’m proud of it.
I meant, is Kate so helpless, so weak an individual that she can’t function without help from her family sp her mother?
There are people who can function quite well and have ongoing generous support from family. I was just wondering if that’s the case with Kate or is she really a rather weak person?
TessD, you’re proud to say you cannot make any decision without asking your mother’s advice?
Nota
Could that be sarcasm?
I’ll take advice from my mother and welcome it often. I’m also a grown woman and know I need to be independent.
I think often posts have to omit the facts or go to extremes to defend this subject. A grown woman who has had much time to adapt to her role, nearly 2 kids in, and a husband of several years shouldn’t still NEED her mother for daily activities. She should want her ofcourse, but by all reports and even pro articles it paints the image of Kate needing her mother and would be lost without her.
When I had my girls 25/22 years ago you could have a max 6 months maternity leave but only 6 weeks of that was at 90% and then is was a pittance – times have changed – I couldnt afford to stay off anymore than 3 months so had to go back full time. If William scaled down his “commitments” any more he’d be in a coma.
“If William scaled down his “commitments” any more he’d be in a coma.” >>>>> I’m in public so I couldn’t laugh as hard as I wanted to, but this comment is HILARIOUS!
I was wondering how many hours William flies per month? I was hoping it’s published somewhere online.
Most airline pilots fly between 75 and 80 hours per month.
I realize William isn’t an airline pilot.
If William flies an average 20-25 hours per month, it’s not much.
Glad I gave you a chuckle …
What a stunning disappointment those two are – I mean it’s not like they’re even making an effort to redeem themselves at all and just don’t have any f*cks to give to the lowly masses. I may be wrong so feel free to correct me but from my Canadian perspective, Charles (and by extension Camilla) seem to have deliberately distanced themselves from Will and Kate. You rarely see them together except for the occasional church appearance or ribbon-cutting. Thoughts?
As I posted above, I think Charles is behind the shade being thrown by the Telegraph of late. I expect he’s horrified by the unseemly dependence Kate has on her mother. William either can’t or won’t separate Kate and Carole. It’s fascinating because I can’t see the marriage thriving with Carole in the picture, and I can’t see the marriage lasting if Carole is sidelined.
Isn’t it sad that a father has to resort to communicating with his own son and daughter-in-law indirectly through the press rather than a face-to-face? First Charles complains, through the media, that he rarely sees Prince Georgie and then, bingo, there are pictures of Charles and George. Now this. I think that when it comes to a fight between Prince of Wales and Carole Middleton, Carole will win in W & K’s opinions. She’s cozied herself up to William nicely through the years and kept her daughter Kate completely dependent on her for seemingly, everything. It’s like these two are adolescents and the latest sulk or temper tantrum is just around the corner.
And I thought my own family was bonkers.
Your post helps make it clear to me that if Diana had been alive, there’s no way she would have approved William’s marriage to Kate. She would have seen Carole’s intentions coming a mile away. I bet that right about now, Charles might be realizing that Diana would have been his best ally in his getting closer to his son and grandchildren.
Or Charles is a spineless dilletante who will throw any and everyone under the bus if it helps his PR. If he wants to see George he can go see George. No way in hell he is upset because no one wants his organic baby food recipes. Carole isn’t doing anything for or with George that Charles takes any interest in. When George is older he will be more interesting to Charles.
Imo
But Charles is busy. Like really busy and he’s made appointments with others who are very busy. Yes, he could pick one of his few times where he cancels and visits George. Assuming George isn’t sunning himself on a beach or elsewhere.
And Organic baby food? That’s what George eats/ate! Fresh deliveries and made specially for him. It was noted during the KP renovations that George had a special prep station for him or rather kitchen the size of a small walk in closet. Few cabinets, washer, fridge, blender, etc
If we’re going to treat this like they’re not royal and don’t need schedules then this is still bad. If I had a child and my inlaws felt they needed to set up a date and time to see their grandchild. Or that they needed to give prior notice to visit that child it would be horrible. Even worse. And Kate lives with her mother who has all the access in the world. So, on top of the rest he has to visit in someone elses home. Someone they may not like with heavy pretense.
That George seems isolated from his father’s side isn’t healthy.
And Charles does seem interested in George now. Despite the image of him not liking kids he really does. And they like him. Even that little bit of Charles playing with George behind the scenes was adorable.
I read this article as a swipe more to Carol anyways. That the staff quit AH post Midds Christmas stay on top of other developments I think Charles is (at best) creating distance from the Midds as a leeching family. If that makes sense.
FLORC
If Charles has to raise hell about seeing his grandson through the media that is a sign of poor communication skills, passive aggressive bullying, whining, and transferring blame not to mention portraying oneself as a perpetual victim. Hmm, sounds exactly like Charles. Not to mention his track record of using the media to get what he wants out of personal relationships. Not behavior that is regal or authorative.
Pretending this is a normal setup -still no excuse for Charles. He would not be deterred from dropping by to see George. Nor would his parents fail to bring him to Highgrove if Charles asked to see him. Charles is pissed because no one is respecting his rank and making the first moves or trying to fit George into *his* schedule. Charles is a case of wounded pride. Fighting with Carole in the media cheapens him not her.
Also we have precious little reliable info that the Mids are leeches. It is more likely that they are ever-present and overbearing. That seems more fair to me.
Imo
I’m not entirely certain this is Charles with a direct agenda from not getting to see his grandson. Or rather W/K not knocking down his door for him to see George.
Seems like there might be another angle here. Could be wrong.
As far as bringing George to see Charles had he requested… I bet he would love to see him more often. I think it’s made very difficult/awkward with Kate living with her parents. Kate could easily refuse claiming other engagements. Or exhaustion.
I don’t think George is being kept from Charles. Just that it would be out of her way for Kate to bring George to Charles for an hour visit or even less.
Regarding leeches. They did furnish their home with royal owned furniture that was in storage. That came out when they moved. William loaned it to them. That and several other instances can be relevant, but you could also argue that’s just a perk and they didn’t request it. They certainly benefit and it seems kind of leechy to me. Like the use of their hedge fund friends Mustique residence.
What a couple of losers. Lazy, fake, and entitled. Talk about a bad combination when it comes to an ‘heir to the heir’ and his spoiled wifey.
I agree with those upthread that say that Kate is not a country girl like the PR team is plying out.
I think the reason why they’re pushing out the country folk image is because that can be used as one excuse as to why they’re not in the cities doing charity work.
Did we really expect anything more from these two? Carole runs their lives or at least, makes it easier for William to be married and single at the same time. Carole keeps Kate at home, raises George, and pampers William when he deigns to see his family. Of course, they’ll “stay” at Anmer, far away from the gaze of the palace courtiers, but they are not fooling anybody.
I give this 1 big “Meh”.
Conflicting stories…
Anmer Hall isn’t finished. Still getting paint delivered.
Anmer Hall not properly staffed.
William to stay and Wood (Farm?). A commonly used, but William, home nearby.
Kate is said to be at her parents home rather consistently for weeks now. She’s appeared to have taken up residence there by all security and emergency services (as well as security presence on Midd’s estate grounds).
Post birth i’d imagine we’ll get Anmer Hall not habitable stories. And lots of Kate ready to get back to work.
She doesn’t give back. This is her. Lately we’ve seen her PR getting better, but it’s a smoke screen. William will go to his job and not be with his family, but make time for vacations. I look forward to be proven wrong, but I doubt that will happen.
So, Meh..
I shouldn’t read these Will & Kate gossip stories. As an American I could care less about it and I don’t understand the amount of shade these two are given. Who cares? If Prince Charles was really annoyed with Will and Kate do you think he’d be so passive aggressive about it and be the source for The Telegraph? Do you think Queen Elizabeth really cares?
Tammy, actually I think Charles and the Queen do care about the public image of W/K. The royal family survives on the good will of the British people. If W/K squanders that good will, it may spell the end of the monarchy. Charles is known to be petulant and insecure, so passive aggressive is not a stretch for him. I’m old enough to remember when Charles and Diana fought their proxy wars in the media; each with their own media mouthpieces. I believe later this year, The Queen will be the longest serving monarch in British history. She’s put over six decades in as head of state. Yes, I do think she really cares. I’m American too, so I’m not paying taxes to support W/K’s lifestyle. But if I were, I’d be ticked off.
Tammy
I don’t care about the inflation of the Kardashians body parts, but apparently others do. Imo they’re private citizens who make their own money by people buying their marketed products. No scandal right? Yet some can’t get enough of them and can be truly hateful.
You are an American so you don’t really pay into their lifestyle. Many here that are Americans or from other areas not of the commonwealth are history buffs. The jewels, the politics, the hsitory unfolding, it’s all interesting. If you don’t follow it enough to understand both sides of the discussion it might not be something you can get into.
And the Brs have demonstrated they care Greatly about their image. Every last one of them when seeing the public image decline have taken some action in the media. As subtle as it might have been.
American here as well, have followed the British Royal Family for ages, and can totally understand the disdain and disgust these people engender in average British citizens who fund their lavish lifestyle and see that they’re not getting their money’s worth. I believe the Queen really cares as well, but at 89 I’m sure she’s feeling her age and she’s known for being non-confrontational. The Royal Family’s well-being and general state of health depend on the effort they put into their jobs and the goodwill of the people.
Man, I’m so jealous: spending an entire summer with her family in a beautiful house in the country and having plenty of help! Kind of see now how it was worth it waiting for 10 years…
“Kate isn’t doing anything but gestating and waiting to go into labor.”
In other words “life as usual”
As an American I don’t see why would British people be pissed with these two. You can always vote to abolish the monarchy and these two don’t seem like they would protest that much. They do minimum and are able to get away with it. If they were to give up their titles it wouldn’t be a big deal – they have enough money to live in style for the rest of their lives anyway.
TessD, the majority of the money and property doesn’t belong to the royals. There are questions as to where all of it came from and how, who is funding what parts of their lives, William’s inheritance (profits from the Duchy but technically does Charles own those profits?), and who gets what if the monarchy is abolished.
IF they were to walk away tomorrow, W&K couldn’t keep themselves in the style to which they’ve become accustomed. That much is clear.
They have a large inheritance from Diana. It’s what pays for the extras. William only gets a small portion from the taxpayers plus what he gets from his job he gives to charity.
His (not their) inheritance from Diana was probably $10 million (he had to pay inheritance tax on it). The extras (decorating, clothing) are paid by Charles, that has been stated by Clarence House I think. They don’t pay rent at KP or Anmer. The taxpayers fund all of their security.
If they had to pay their daily expenses, household staff salaries, and rent on a place like Anmer, the money would be gone in a few years.
Maggie
The inheritance has well been combed over and it would last William a few years at most. Then he would have nothing left of his wealth the way he spends.
Also, largely noted William does not touch his private money. His expenses are covered by other routes (taxes/gifts/funds for specific uses). On many occasions it’s noted how William would refuse to pay and rather held out of gifts or heavily reduced prices over spending his own funds.
What would it cost to live their lifestyle? I’m guessing here.
4 staff (housekeeper, groundskeeper, nanny, night nurse). Pay them “appallingly low” Windsor standards of $21,000 a year starting salary which is below national living wage in the UK. That’s minimum $84,000 a year in salaries.
Her parents recently bought an historic 7-bedroom mansion for $7 million. Extrapolate 10-bedroom historic Anmer would easily cost $10 million.
His $10 million inheritance doesn’t take them far with their lifestyle.
@FLORC and @notasugarhere, first off people with money invest money and people with a lot of money get a huge return. Second, people of their level get a lot of free perks and complimentary stuff and only sometimes have to pay their way. So yeah, they should be fine. Money likes money.
TessD
Yes. William’s money was put into interest building accounts and it’s still gaining. Still, he’s not spending it and has been known to be cheap for ages now. He simply doesn’t use his own money with loads of examples over the years to support this.
And those perks should not be accepted. This is just the rule. The British royals have power and accepting gifts could be seen as bribes or swaying favor so it’s just not done to avoid that outright. The backdoor to this is calling it a steep discount. Or places people like Pippa things with the intent for Kate to receive as a gift from family. Like that “George” necklace Pippa gave her. Loads of publicity.
That they admitted a year or so ago to actually receiving gifts (helicopter use) and complimentary services was a huge deal because he’s not suppose to.
I forget the exact saying, but it’s went something like. The rich stay rich because they never spend their own money.
If you just break down their expenses nothing is paid for by William. Transportation, Homes, Upkeep on these things, Staff, household supplies like food, clothing, vacations, etc… can all be directly linked to everyone, but William and Kate.
He inherited 10 million pounds (17 million dollars) when he turned 30. He paid 40 percent inheritance tax. That takes it down to $10.2 million. The investments aren’t increasing at a great rate, otherwise he would have inherited more than 17 million. It had almost 15 years to earn before he could touch it.
FLORC’s right. They aren’t allowed to take freebies and their bills are paid by others. If they had to pay those bills themselves, they couldn’t afford their lifestyle.